Quebec to expand Wind Energy Sector

QUEBEC CITY -- Quebec Premier Jean Charest has announced the installation of an additional 700 MW of wind power in Quebec. The government is pursuing the development of wind energy and ensure the preservation of jobs associated with this industry in the Gaspé and Matane RCM.

'As in the previous tender, the Quebec government will ensure to maximize the economic benefits in Quebec in setting conditions of regional content for Gaspésie and Matane RCM and conditions of Québec content. At least 30% of the cost of wind turbines must be spent in the Gaspésie region and the Matane RCM and 60% of total costs in Quebec, 'said Premier Charest.

'This is great news for communities where new projects will be developed. In addition to the significant investment it will bring into the province, new wind energy projects will create new jobs throughout Québec,' said Chris Forrest, vice-president of Communications at CanWEA. 'We applaud the Quebec government for its vision and leadership in supporting the development of more wind energy to deliver clean electricity, new jobs and regional economic investments.'

The objective included in the Québec Energy Strategy 2006-2015 to produce 4,000 MW of wind power will be reached as well. The government will release this fall two draft laws: one for a bid of 450 MW and the other for a program to purchase 250 MW for projects from indigenous communities.

Quebec already has a 057.2 MW of installed wind power. 'The development of wind power generates significant economic benefits for Quebec and its regions. This track eventually generate a total investment estimated at $ 10 billion,' said Clément Gignac. Quebec's Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife and Minister responsible for the Northern Plan.

'The niche of wind energy has led to the creation of industrial enterprises in the Gaspé Peninsula and the Matane RCM, the emergence of firms of consultants, the establishment of a program of technical training in maintenance of wind, the establishment of the Wind Energy TechnoCentre and financial contributions to the local, regional, and landowners,' he added.

'Québec's wind energy potential is immense. Almost 4,000 MW will be installed by 2015, and we expect to increase this objective by another 8,000 MW between 2016 and 2025 -which will generate $25 billion in investment and create 90,000 jobs in the construction phase,' said Jean-Frédérick Legendre, Québec regional director for CanWEA. 'Revenues to landowners and municipalities could reach as much as $25 million annually by 2015,' he added.

A CANWEA report 'WindVision 2025 -A Strategy for Quebec' can be found online at: http://www.canwea.ca/windvision_quebec_e.php .